File and binder.



J. T. TODD.

FILE AND BINDER.

APPLICATION FILED FEB-19,1914.

1,120,864, Patented Dec. 15,1914.

2 SHEETS'SHEET l.

Wma55e5, g1 fzzaenfor.

45 NORRIS PETERS C0,, FHOTU'LITHO" WASHINGYUN 0. c'

J. T. TODD.

FILE AND BINDER.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 19. 1914.

1,1 20,864, Patented Dec. 15, 1914.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Mfrws-ea' UNITE STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN T. TODD, OF SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO THE REGISTEREDTRACER SYSTEM, OF SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, A CORIORATION OF ILLINOIS.

FILE AND BINDER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 15, 1914.

Application filed February 19, 1914. Serial No. 819,609.

To uZZ vii/loin it may C(Ht /"IZ lie it known that I, Jens T. Tom), acitizen of the l nited btates, residing at Springfield, in the county ofbangainon and State of lllinois, have invented certain new and l. efulimprovements in Files and Binders, or which the following is aspecification.

This invention relates to improvements in files and binders,particularly adapted, though not necessarily limited in its use forfiling corres vondence, and one of the objects of the invention is toprovide an improved device of this character, constructed from a singlesheet of material. and cut in a single operation, and then folded sothat a portion of the blank will serv e as a reinforce for the fold ofthe file. thereby adding strength and durability to the file, whileanother portion of the blank is folded to form one or more inclosedtabs, to or between which, the correspondence may be removably secured.

A. further object is to provide an improved device of this characterhaving a back or edge which will open to accommodate the growth of thecontents of the file.

A. further bject is to provide an improved device of this character,having 'iastening devices for the corres ondence, disposed entirelywithin the covers and also having a flap connected with one of thecovers, and which fiap serves as a closure for the open edge of thefile, to protect the edges of the papers.

To the attainment of these ends, and the accomplishment of other new anduseful objects as will appear, the invention consists in the features ofnovelty in substantially the construction, combination and armngcinentof the several parts, hereinafter more fully described and claimed, andshown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a file of this character, constructedin accordance with the principles of this invention, and as showing thebottom of the file. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of theblank, from which the file is cut. and showing the manner of cutting andscoring the blank. Fig. 3 is an end elevation of a portion of the partsshown in Fig. 1 showing the position the parts will assume when a fewpapers are secured in the file. Fig. at is a view similar to Fig. 3showing the position the parts will assume when the file is expanded anda number of papers are secured therein. Fig. is a detail perspectiveview showing the manner of folding the blank shown in Fig. Fig. ('3 is asectional view taken on line ii-6, Fig. l. Fig. 7 is a view similar toFig. l of a modified form of the invention. Fig. 8 's a. detailperspective view of a portion of the blank from which the file shown inFig. i" is constructed, and showing the manner of eating and scoring theblank. Fig. 9 is a section of a portion of Fig. 7, and on line 9 .l.Fig. 10 is a detail perspective view showing the manner of folding theblank shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 11 is a detail perspective view of the fileshown in Fig. 7, with the file open.

Referring more pziirticularly to the drawings, and in the form of theinvention shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the numeral designates a portion of ablank from which the file is constructed, and which blank may beconstructed of any suitable material, such as tough paper or the like,and may be of any lt ired sire and configuration. The blank is outintermediate its ends along the lines 16, 17 and also the lines 18, 19as well as the lines 20, 21 and 22, 53 to form the tabs or cars 24', 25adjacent the edges of the blank and the cuts 18 and 20 will result inthe formation of connecting portions 26 extending between one of thecovers of the file and the portion 27, which forms the back of the file,while the cuts 19 and form the connecting portions 528 between the othercover of the file and the back 27. The respective cuts 18 and 20 extendfrom the cuts 16 and and preferably converge toward each other and awayfrom the cut 16, while the cuts 19 and 21 also preferably convergetoward each other and away from the cut17. lVhile these various cuts arebeing made in the blank, the blank is also scored along the lines 29,30, 31, and for a purpose to be hereinafter set forth.

If desired and while the blank is being cut and scored, it may also beperforated to form the apertures 35, 37, being formed through therespective connecting portions 26, 28, while the apertures 34, 86 areformed through the body of the blank, respectively adjacent theapertures 35, 37. Slots 38, 39 may also be formed in the blank,respectively adjacent the apertures 34 and 36.

These cuts and perforations, together with the scoring of the blank, arearranged intermediate the extremities of the blank and in such a mannerthat the portion 40 (see particularly Fig. 1) which forms the bottom ofthe file, is somewhat shorter than the portion 41 forming the top of thefile, so that the extremity 42 of the top of the file, which projectsbeyond the edge of the bottom of th file, may be folded to form a flapto lap over the back of the file for the purpose of protecting the edgesof the papers.

The blank thus cut, scored and perforated, ma be folded in any desiredor suitable manner but preferably as follows: The outer face of the topof the file may be placed upon a support and the remaining portion ofthe blank then raised s0 that a portion of the back along the cuts 17and 23 may be passed over the portion 43 and also over the ears 25, theconnecting portions 28 during such folding operation folding on thelines 44, and being temporarily folded over and against the inner faceof the top 41 of the file. The back 27 is then folded on the lines 27and the bottom of the file 40 is then again folded, so as to pass overthe portion 45 of the back and over the ears 24, so that the connectingportions 26 will fold along the lines 46. Thi will cause the ears 24 torest fiat against the ears 25, and the portion 43 of the then upper faceof the top 41 to rest flat against the lower face of the portion 45 ofthe back. The bottom of the file is then turned backwardly and along thelines 47 so as to extend over the portions 26 and the portions 43 and.45', and finally the bottom 40 is folded along the line 29. This willform two tabs designated generally by the reference numeral 48 in Figs.3 and 6, which are arranged between the covers of the file andsubstantiall parallel with each other. The parts thus folded may besecured together in any suitable manner, and the back 27 is creasedalong the lines 31, 32, so as to form a back which will be expansi' bleto accommodate the growth of the contents of the file. When the blank isthus folded and the parts fastened together, the apertures 34, 35, 36and 37 will register with each other so that a fastening device 49 maybe passed therethrough and through the correspondence to secure thecorrespondence between the tabs 48. As shown this fasten ing device 49is preferably in the form of a metallic strip, the bottom of which isarranged between the tabs 48 and the extremities 50 thereof pass throughthe registering apertures and then through slots in the tabs such asslots 38 or 39 to protect the ends of the fasteners, while the bodyportion of the fastener will pass through the other slots 38, or 39 forholding it against displacement. It will thus be manifest that not onlyan expansible file is produced, but one in which the fold or joint willbe reinforced, thereby adding to the strength and durability of thefile.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 7 to 11, there is providedonly a single tab within the file covers, and is particularly adaptedfor light correspondence. In this form of the invention, the blank 51 iscut in a similar manner along the lines 52, and also along the lines toform the connecting portions 56, the ears 57 and the portion 58. It isalso scored along the lines 59, 60 and 61. The blank thus cut and scoredmay be folded by preferably placing the top 62 of the file upon asupport and then folding the blank so that the connecting portions 56will fold along their respective portions of the line 61 and until theconnectin portions 56 rest fiat against the face of the top 62 as shownclearly in Fig. 10. This will cause the bottom 63 of the file to befolded over away from the portions 58 and the cars 57 of the top. Thebottom is then folded along the lines 60. backwardly over the portion 58and ears and the bottom is then again folded forwardly along the line59. The portions 57, 58 may be then folded along the line 61 so thatthey will lap over the outer face of the bottom of the file as shown inFig. 7, the portions 57 and 58 being secured to the exposed face of thebottom of the file in anv suitable manner. This manner of folding theblank will result in the formation of a projecting tab inside 01 thefile, which is formed by the portion 64 of the blank and the connectingportions If desired, suitable fastening devices such as eyelets 65' maybe provided for securing the portions 64, 65 together, and fasteningdevices 66 may be provided which pass through the eyelets and whichlatter fastening devices serve as means for securing the correspondencein the file. The cover 62 is also preferably provided with an extendingportion 67 which forms a flap adapted to fold over the free end of thebottom 63 for protecting the papers. Thus it will be manifest that withthis improved structure, letters will be secured within the file and inthe form shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the back will expand to accommodate thegrowth of the contents, and in both forms, the fold of the file will bereinforced to increase the durability, and the fastening devices whichsecure the correspondence within the file will be completely housedwithin the file, so that there will be no projecting portions of thefastening devices to catch on other files or papers, thereby presentingsmooth outside surfaces to the file.

While the preferred forms of the invention have been herein shown anddescribed, it is to be understood that various changes may be made inthe details of construction,

in the combination and arrangement of the several parts, and in themanner of cutting and folding the file, as well as in the fasteningdevices and in the manner of securing them in position, Within the scopeof the claims, and without departing from the spirit of this invention.

What is claimed as new is 1. A device of the character described,constructed from a single blank cut to form partially severed butconnected sections, the blank being folded so that one face of one ofthe sections will rest against the face of the other section and with aportion of one section overlapping the adjacent portion of the othersection and secured to the latter to reinforce the fold between thesections. and with an intermediate portion of the blank shaped to form afly or tab between the said sections, and to which tab, sheets may besecured.

2. A device of the character described, constructed from a single blankcut to form two partially severed but connected sections, one of thesections being folded over the other section, the portion constitutingthe fold or hinge between the sections embodying a portion of onesection folded over the edge of the other section and secured to theouter face of the latter, a portion of both of the sections being foldedto form a tab or fly connected therewith adjacent the fold between thesections, and to which tab, sheets may be secured.

3. A folder of the character described, constructed from a single blankcut to form two partially severed sections having foldable connectingportions therebetween, said portions being folded to cause the adjacentcut edges of the blank to overlap, a portion of one of the saidoverlapping edges of one section being secured to the other section andextending over the back of the folder, and a portion of the othersection cooperating with the said connecting portion to form a free tabor fly between the said sections, all of said parts being securedagainst unfoldmg.

4. A folder of the character described, constructed from a single blankcut to form two partially severed sections having foldable connectingportions therebetween, said portions being folded to cause the adjacentcut edges of the blank to overlap, a portion of one of the saidoverlapping edges of one section being secured to the other section andextending over the back of the folder, and a portion of the othersection coiiperating with the said connecting portions to form aplurality of tabs or flies between which sheets may be secured.

A folder of the character described, constructed from a single blank cutto form two partially severed sections having foldable connectingportions therebetween, said portions being folded to cause the adjacentcut edges of the blank to overlap, a portion of one of the saidoverlapping edges of one section being secured to the other section andextending over the back of the folder, and a portion of the othersection cooperating with the said connecting portions to form aplurality of tabs or flies between which sheets may be secured, andfastening devices for securin sheets to the tabs.

6. A device of the character described, constructed from a single blankcut to form two partially severed sections having foldable connectingportions therebetween, said connecting portions being spaced from theperipheral edges of the blank. and adapted to be folded to cause theadjacent cut portions to overlap. portions of one section being securedto the other section and extending across the joint between the foldedsections and on both sides of the said connecting portions, and aportion of the other section being folded to cooperate with the saidconnecting portions to form a tab.

7. A device of the character described, constructed from a single blankand cut to form an intermed ate section and two tions connectedtherewith by connecting portions, said portions being folded to causethe adjacent cnt portion of one of the sections and of the intermediatesection to overlap, and both to overlap the adjacent edge of theremaining section. to cause the cut edge of the last recited section,and one of the cut edges of the said intermediate section to besuperposed. said SHDQIPOSQd edges being socured together and bent overthe space be tween the adjacent sections, and secured to be remainingsect on to form a back, portions of the intermediate section and one ofthe other sections cooperating with the respective connecting portionsto form tabs to which sheets may be secured.

8. A device of the character described. constructed from a single blankand cut to form an intermediate section and two scctions connectedtherewith by connecting portions, said portions being fol dcd to causethe adjacent cut portion of one of the sections andv of the intermediatesection to over ap. and both to overlap the adj accnt edge of theremaining section. to cause the out edge of the last recited section,and one of the cut edges of the said intermediate section to besuperposed. said superposed edges being secured together and bent overthe space between the adjacent sections and secured to the remainingsection to form a back. portions of the intermediate section and one ofthe other sections cooperating with the re-- spective connectingportions to form tabs to which sheets n av be secured, and fasteningdevices carried by the said tabs for detachably securing sheets thereto.

9. A device of the character described,

constructed from a single blank, and cut to form an intermediate sectionand two sections connected therewith by connecting portions, saidportions being folded to cause the adjacent cut portion of one of thesections and of the intermediate section to overlap, and both to overlapthe adjacent edge of the remaining section, to cause the cut edge of thelast recited section, and one of the cut edges of the said intermediatesection to be superposed, said si'lperposed edges being secured togetherand bent over the space between the adjacent sections, and secured tothe remaining section to form a back, portions of the intermediatesection and one of the other sections cooperating with the respectiveconnecting portions to form tabs to which sheets may be secured, andfastening devices carried by the said tabs for detachably securingsheets thereto, the said back being shaped to expand to compensate thegrowth of the contents.

10. A device of the character described,

constructed from a single blank cut to form two partially severed butconnected sections, the blank being folded to cause the adjacent cntedges to overlap, a portion of the overlapping edge of one section beingsecured to the other section to form a hinge connecting the sections,said blank being also folded to form an integral tab or fly between thesections and adjacent the hinge and to which tab, sheet-s may besecured, the free edge of one section extending beyond the adjacent freeedge of the other sec tion and adapted to be folded thereover to form aclosure flap.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification, in thepresence of two subscribing witnesses, on this 10th day of February A.D. 1914.

JOHN T. TODD.

Witnesses EDWARD FURnow, \VILBRA \V. SWETT, Jr.

Copies 01 this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C.

